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Watching Crystals Grow

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Learners will compare the growth rate and appearance of crystals forming on small rocks to those growing on miscellaneous objects. Learners will also investigate how temperature (warm vs. cool room) affects crystal growth. Learners will record their observations at the start and then again after 3 hours, 1 day, and 2 days. This resource includes discussion questions to elicit reflection and help learners draw conclusions. Use this activity to introduce learners to the basics of mineral science as well as the scientific process.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:

5 to 10 minutes

Learning Time:

1 to 7 days

Estimated Materials Cost:

$1 - $5 per group of students

Age Range:

Ages 8 - 14

Resource Types:

Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:

English

Materials List
(per group of students)

ten or more shallow bowls (such as petri dishes)

five small, clean rocks

four small miscellaneous objects (such as nails, aluminum foil, shells, or marbles)

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A project of University of California, Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science. Major funding was provided by the National Science Foundation (Award #0735007), The Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, and Oracle.